On the evening of Tuesday 1 October, EU High Representative Josep Borrell condemned Iran’s attack on Israel “in the strongest possible terms”. This constitutes “a serious threat to regional security”, he stressed in a statement on behalf of the EU, calling on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint.
Iran sent more than 200 missiles towards Israel on the evening and night of 1 October to avenge the deaths of the leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas. On Wednesday, the Hebrew state continued its strikes on Lebanon, but also targeted the Syrian capital. According to the Lebanese army, an Israeli drone targeted one of its units, injuring one person.
“Once again, a dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliations risks fuelling an uncontrollable regional escalation which is in no one’s interest. The EU remains fully committed to lower the tensions and contribute to de-escalation to avoid a dangerous regional conflict”, warned Mr Borrell. He stated that the EU would continue to be in close contact with all actors to this end.
The High Representative also reiterated the EU’s commitment to Israel’s security.
In addition to this EU statement, the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission have also reacted. “The EU is ready to support efforts to defuse the situation and protect the lives of civilians”, stressed Mr Michel on X, while Ms von der Leyen emphasised the lives of civilians. “I urge all parties to protect the lives of innocent civilians. The European Union continues to call for a ceasefire on the border with Lebanon and in Gaza, and for the release of all hostages held [in Gaza] for almost a year”, she added in a press release.
On Wednesday, the G7 countries pledged to work together to “promote a reduction in tensions at regional level”, believing that a diplomatic solution to prevent the conflict from spreading was “still possible”.
Aviation. In addition, on Wednesday 2 October, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recommended that airlines avoid flying over Iran, due to the “high risks” posed by Tehran’s missile launches against Israel and Israel’s announced response. The same recommendation was made on Saturday for Israeli and Lebanese airspace. It runs until 31 October. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)